Quintana Roo Distributes 400,000 Sanitary Pads in Schools

Quintana Roo — The state of Quintana Roo has guaranteed the comprehensive implementation of the Dignified Menstruation in Schools Law by confirming the distribution of more than 400,000 sanitary pads in all public secondary schools. This policy, in effect since 2023, aims to ensure that female students have access to menstrual hygiene supplies during their school day, particularly in emergency situations.

Delivery Across All 11 Municipalities

The Secretary of Education, Elda Xix Euán, reported that all 11 municipalities are already delivering the products to their schools, in compliance with the reform to the Education Law approved on November 8, 2023.

She explained that this measure addresses a historical need for thousands of students who faced menstrual incidents without immediate access to basic hygiene.

School Coordination to Ensure Safe Access

The State Secretariat of Education (SEQ) detailed that in each municipality there is an educational services coordinator responsible for coordinating the delivery with secondary school principals.

Together with school guidance personnel, social work staff, and prefects, safe and accessible spaces are defined where the supplies are placed so that students can use them when needed.

A Law That Responds to a Daily Problem

Xix Euán recalled that the reform emerged in response to the constant presence of “embarrassing” situations for students, who had to leave the classroom or improvise due to the lack of menstrual hygiene products.

“Those of us who are teachers know this firsthand. Menstruation can arrive unexpectedly, and girls should not go through difficult moments due to a lack of resources,” she stated.

Beyond Delivery: Sustainable Alternatives

The reform published on November 9, 2023 also instructs the creation of public policies for the production of reusable ecological pads, with the goal of offering sustainable options to adolescents and promoting education in menstrual management.

Priority of the State Government

The secretary emphasized that the instruction from Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has been to maintain a humanistic approach that guarantees the well-being and dignity of students.

“It is not just about complying with a law, but about ensuring that girls live in safe environments, free from violence, and with access to what they require,” she affirmed.